SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, during this month’s ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ Radio program, called upon the citizens of J&K UT to actively support and contribute to the successful conduct of the G20 event.
“The 3rd tourism working group meeting of the G20, starting from May 22nd, is a historic opportunity for the 13 million citizens of J&K UT to showcase our priceless culture, heritage, tourism, and warm hospitality. All citizens should come forward and be a part of this memorable event,” said the Lt Governor.
The G20 members represent approximately 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and more than 60% of the world’s population. Such a gathering will provide a huge boost to the shared vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam globally and accelerate the socio-economic development of Jammu Kashmir, observed the Lt Governor.
“Our resolve is to build a new, Atmanirbhar Jammu Kashmir in this Amrit Kaal. This historic occasion of the G20 meeting will inspire the generations of Jammu Kashmir and infuse new enthusiasm and confidence in society to build the future Jammu Kashmir,” he added.
Highlighting the inspirational example of government-public partnership in development, the Lt Governor commended the District administration Bandipora, residents, and a Pune-based civil society group for their unique initiative to transform Aragam village, situated on the banks of Wular Lake.
Aragam will soon be converted into the country’s largest Book Village with active participation from the local community. In addition to books in six different languages, the libraries will also house old manuscripts and paintings, introducing tourists to the ancient history and folk culture of J&K, he added.
The Lt Governor congratulated the farmers of Sagam village, Anantnag, for reviving Mushk Budji, the heritage crop known for its aroma. The efforts of the Sagam Mushk Budji Farmers Producer Company will provide a new boost to the farming of one of the most cherished and valued products of J&K, he said.
The Lt Governor shared the success stories of Neelam Rani and Gowhar Jabeena, women entrepreneurs from Kathua and Anantnag, and Rohit Salaria, a young entrepreneur from Udhampur.
Gowhar Jabeena of Anantnag has established the ‘Green Posh Nursery Unit,’ the first Kiwi nursery in the Kashmir Division. Her achievements in this unexplored sector are inspiring the locals and budding entrepreneurs, said the Lt Governor.
The entrepreneurial zeal of Kathua’s Neelam Rani has not only empowered the local womenfolk but has also expanded the market reach of Basohli Pashmina Shawls, he added.
The Lt Governor mentioned that young entrepreneurs like Rohit Salaria of Udhampur, with their efforts, are inspiring other youth to become job-givers and create more space for young entrepreneurs. Rohit Salaria has set up a food processing unit under the PM’s Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme.
He applauded the renowned artist Sohan Singh Billawaria for training budding artists and promoting the rich legacy of Basohli painting.
The Lt Governor also shared the suggestions of Dr. Rizwan Rumi from Kulgam and Ehsan Quddusi from Pulwama regarding the development of an institutional mechanism to raise awareness, provide skills training, and financial support to young entrepreneurs in the horticulture sector.
He gave special mention to valuable inputs received from Saima Mushtaq of Srinagar and Sanchaita Pradhan of Jammu to promote the famous folk arts and crafts of rural Jammu Kashmir. Humerah Balwan from Doda, Ridham Gupta from Samba, and Apurva Mishra from Jammu wrote about the empowerment of the girl child. Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh from Anantnag and Dr Kumar Sourabh from Jammu suggested active participation of youth in water conservation and lake rejuvenation.
The Lt Governor issued directions to the concerned departments and officials to take appropriate action on the suggestions received from the citizens.
